Not only does it develops the five senses in the human...

Not only does it develops the five senses in the human beings but sharpens them to air feelings of joy and love the world over. Furthermore, it induces contemplation in the grand creation of the universe and Allah's infinite power. Islam calls for the enjoyment of the manifestations of beauty to satisfy spiritual desires. It beautifully harnesses people's desires for material and sensual pleasures and gives priority to spiritual joys and aesthetic values in life.

Allah the Highest says: "Say: Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He brought forth for His servants, and the good things of His providing?

Say: These, on the Day of Resurrection shall be exclusively for those who believed [ 22 ] during the life of the world; thus do We make signs clear for a people who know." Holy Qur'an (7:32) A narration from Imam Ali (a.s.) the leader of the believers says: "Allah is Elegant and loves beauty; He likes His blessings to be seen on people."1 It is narrated that Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) has said: "Allah, the Glorious, the Magnificent, likes beauty and adornment and He dislikes misery and similar manifestations."2 Therefore, Muslims ought to give aesthetic aspects due attention and importance..

People should be trained to acquire the sense of appreciating beauty and fine tastes, that would enable them to shun ugly and disgusting views and distorted pictures, whether material or moral. This field is actually very vast and covers so many subjects. For instance, painting, calligraphy, merchandise, architecture, sewing. embroidery, decoration, art, prose, poetry and drama are some of the many subjects which offer scope for aesthetic taste and its development.

However there is an important point to be observed and that is the ethical border defined clearly by Islamic laws and moral norms. On the other hand, Global Ignorance's (Jahiliyya) distorted version of beauty and aesthetic values should not find channels to infiltrate our noble schools of art and artists. Islamic ethical values disapprove of abusement, obscenity, exploitation, sculpture, dancing, singing: Rythmic melodies and chanting of musical instruments that stimulate carnal (1) al-Kulaini.

al-Kafi. Vol. 6. p. 438. (2) aI-Kulaini. al-Kaf,. Vol. 6. p. 44. [ 23 ] desires and lead to corruption rejected by Islam's lofty artistic standards. These are considered as ways of wasting time, and the blessings of life.